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How to avoid further licensing issues and more law violations after you get charged with a DUI

Written by: Denise W Derricott

Reputation Level 7

Posted over 2 years ago. Applies to Washington, 3 helpful votes, 0 comments

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Make sure the DOL has updated address information.

If the address where you receive mail is different than the address that appears on your license, go to the DOL and fill out an update your address form. You can also get the form online (see the link below), print and fill it out and mail it in. Do not rely on oral change of address requests. Also, do not rely on the officer writing down your correct address even if you tell him or her your new, updated information.

Fight your administrative suspension

If the DOL sends you a letter stating that they are going to administratively suspend your license, talk to an experienced attorney in your area who does DOL administrative hearing/criminal law.

If your license gets suspended, do not drive unless you get an ignition interlock device license

If your license gets suspended through a DOL administrative suspension or by being convicted of a DUI, do not drive unless you have an ignition interlock device license. If you drive and get caught, you will be charged with driving with a license suspended in the second degree, which carries a year long license suspension. If you get caught twice, and have also been convicted of DUI, Reckless Driving or various other charges, you will become a habitual traffic offender and have to deal with a 7 year license suspension.

If you do drive, know that it is likely you will get caught.

Police officers typically run the license plates of the cars they see on the road. If your license comes up suspended, they will pull you over and give you a criminal citation.